A driver charged over the death of a pedestrian in an alleged hit-and-run incident in far north Queensland knew he had struck the victim, police say.
Michael Bowden, 20, was walking home from a party in Weipa in the early hours of June 9 before suffering fatal head and arm injuries in the incident.
A 25-year-old man from the region was charged on Saturday with driving without due care, failing to remain at an incident and driving a vehicle whilst under the influence of liquor or a drug.
Bowden's death on Northern Avenue sparked a police search for damaged vehicles and calls for dashcam footage as they attempted to work out if the driver had knowingly fled or was unaware he had hit him.
"We'll be alleging the driver was aware that there had been contact made," Detective Acting Inspector Rob Campbell said on Monday.
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But he said said there was not enough evidence at this stage to accuse him of dangerous driving causing death.
"It's still in the realms of possibility there could be other charges laid," Det Insp Cambell said.
The man was arrested after his four-wheel-drive was identified in CCTV footage.
But his car did not show obvious signs of damage, Det Insp Cambell said.
"We're certainly making examinations of the whole vehicle underside and looking for evidence in that respect," he said.
A passenger in the car could also face charges.
